MCO welcomes Ehnes home

Audited public accounts show Manitoba's deficit last year half of predicted $1.67 billion

Manitoba’s audited public accounts for the last fiscal year show the province is “moving in the right direction,” NDP Finance Minister Adrien Sala said Monday.

The provincial deficit for fiscal 2025-26 was $832 million, nearly half the $1.67-billion deficit forecast in December, and in line with the $794-million estimate in Budget 2026.

“I’m particularly proud of this final result, (given the potential) implications of tariffs on our economy, the worst wildfire season in 30 years — which resulted in significant emergency expenditures — and, of course, a significant drought,” Sala said at a news conference.

The province reported revenues of $25.1 billion and expenses of $25.9 billion, resulting in the $832-million deficit. Manitoba’s net debt is $36.5 billion and costs the province $2.3 billion a year in debt-servicing charges.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You’re high-viz as this day begins. People notice you. It’s a high-energy day and excellent for communication with partners, spouses and your kids. Discussions about the arts, vacations and fun outings will be interesting and imaginative.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Spiring announced as NSL Winnipeg president

Northern Super League Winnipeg named Dayna Spiring as the pro women’s soccer team’s president Tuesday morning.

An accomplished Winnipegger and business leader, Spiring will oversee the club’s business operations as the team prepares to kick off the inaugural season in spring 2027.

No stranger to sports, Spiring was one of the first women to serve on the CFL’s Board of Governors and the first woman to serve as chair of the Winnipeg Football Club’s Board of Directors. She is also the first woman to have her name engraved on the Grey Cup as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers captured back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2021.

“Dayna is exactly the kind of leader we envisioned helping build this club,” said Northern Super League President Christina Litz in a statement. “She understands Winnipeg, she understands business, and she knows what it takes to build organizations that bring people together. As we prepare for Winnipeg’s first season in 2027, her experience, leadership and deep connection to this community will be invaluable.”

Jets goaltender collects victory in first start for new team

He received the loudest ovation on the team before the puck had even been dropped, with chants of “Stuuuuu” ringing out inside Canada Life Centre during pre-game introductions.

And he heard the love time and time again — with each and every save, in fact — as the evening progressed.

Yes, the Stuart Skinner era is off to a strong start, as the new No. 1 man in net for the Winnipeg Jets made a great first impression on Monday in front of an announced crowd of 13,363.

Skinner stopped 31 of 32 shots he faced in a 3-1 pre-season victory for the Jets over a very young, inexperienced Colorado Avalanche squad.

Kinew, NDP rise to new heights in Free Press-Abacus Data poll; support for Khan, Tories falls further

Buoyed by a bump outside Winnipeg, support for Premier Wab Kinew’s NDP climbed to its highest level yet, while the Tories lost some ground.